404 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
- Pandit Lakshmi Kanta Maitra (West Bengal: General): Sir, I am thankful to you for giving me this opportunity to put in a few words what I feel regarding the motion before the House, namely the consideration of the Hindu code. I know I am in a position of great disadvantage inasmuch as I could not be present when the Motion was debated during the first two days, as I had to be away from this place. I had, in the few moments I could snatch in the midst of my preoccupations, noticed Press reports that my honourable friend the Law Minister, Dr. Ambedkar had made a magnificent speech in support of his motion. Also, that an equally powerful speech—I am not making any comparison. I rely on reports, though there is a divergence of opinion even among the reporters that an equally powerful speech was made on the other side by Pandit Thakur Das Bhargava.
I listened with considerable attention to the four speeches that have been made in favour of the motion and the one against it. As the debate was going on yesterday, I could see the mood of the House— sometimes hilarious, but when a Member sought to differ from the main provisions of the bill, all manner of gibes and ironical cheers greeted him all through. ( Honourable Members: ‘No, no’) I am glad it is not so. Well, I think it will give me some encouragement because most members know—I think every single member knows—which way I will speak. I do not know how I came to attain this sort of notoriety—I could not say, fame—that I do not support the provisions of this Bill. I will make no secret of it, ( An Honourable Member : Why should you?) because I will speak out my convictions. I know what a delicate task it is for me to be addressing this House, constituted as it is and in the mood in which I find it. I know that I may have to rue the temerity which I have shown by taking courage in both hands to say what I feel. It is rather helpful that immediately before I address this House. I have had the opportunity of listening to my honourable sister, Shrimati Durgabai, who has made a closely reasoned speech in support of this Bill.
I must apologise to my sister for not being able to agree with her in the theories which she has so confidently assumed as being almost accepted by all. She finished her speech with a peroration, appealing to the House to give effect to the principle in the Draft constitution
- C.A. (Leg.) D., Vol. II, Part II 1st March 1949, pp. 995-1015.